Work Visa / Ireland Work Visa
Work in Ireland
Ireland is a popular destination for persons looking for work outside of their home country. Working and residing in Ireland also entitles you to free European Union membership. Another advantage is that after five years in Ireland, you can apply for citizenship.
Work visa for Ireland
If you want to work in Ireland, you must be aware of the visa requirements. If you are from a non-EU nation, you’ll need a work permit before you can work in Ireland. Work permits are divided into two categories:
- Ireland General Employment Permit
- Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit
Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is an immigration permit offered by Ireland to attract highly skilled individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). It is designed to help Ireland fill high-demand roles in key sectors that contribute significantly to the country's economy. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and requirements :
1. Eligible Occupations
The permit is typically offered to individuals in occupations that are deemed to be of critical importance to the growth of Ireland’s economy. These include jobs in areas like
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Engineering
Healthcare (e.g., doctors, nurses)
Financial services
Science and technology
A full list of eligible occupations is regularly updated by the Irish government and can be found on the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment's website
2. Salary Requirements
- For most occupations on the Critical Skills list, the minimum annual salary must be at least €32,000.
- In the case of some highly specialized roles (e.g., IT professionals), the salary must be €64,000 or more.
3. Job Offer - Employer Requirements
- The employer must be a legitimate and registered business in Ireland.
- They do not need to undertake a labor market test (which would usually require advertising the job to local/EEA candidates first).
4. Advantages of the Permit
- Fast Track to Residency: After working for two years on the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the individual can apply for long-term residency in Ireland.
- No Labour Market Test: The employer is not required to prove that no Irish/EEA worker could fill the position.
- Family Reunification: Permit holders can immediately bring their families to Ireland. Family members can also apply for the right to work once they are in Ireland.
5. Validity
- The Critical Skills Employment Permit is initially issued for two years. After this period, the permit holder can apply for a Stamp 4, which allows them to live and work in Ireland without the need for further employment permits.
6. English Proficiency
- If you're applying for a job in Ireland and your employer requires proof of English proficiency, they typically look for an IELTS band of 6.0 to 7.5 depending on the job role and sector. For example, healthcare roles like nurses or doctors may require higher scores. It’s best to check with the employer to confirm any language proficiency requirements.
7. Application Process
- If you're applying for a job in Ireland and your employer requires proof of English proficiency, they typically look for an IELTS band of 6.0 to 7.5 depending on the job role and sector. For example, healthcare roles like nurses or doctors may require higher scores. It’s best to check with the employer to confirm any language proficiency requirements.
8. Processing Time
- The processing time for the Critical Skills Employment Permit usually takes around 6-8 weeks, but it can vary depending on the number of applications being processed.
- This permit is an attractive option for skilled professionals seeking to live and work in Ireland, and it offers a relatively straightforward path to permanent residency.
Ireland General Employment Permit
The General Employment Permit in Ireland allows non-EEA nationals to work in Ireland in occupations that may not be covered by the Critical Skills Employment Permit. Here are the key requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a General Employment Permit.
1. Job Offer
You must have a valid job offer from an Irish employer before applying.
The job must have a minimum annual salary of €30,000 in most cases, though certain exceptions apply for specific roles.
The employment contract must be for at least two years.
2. Eligible Occupations
- Most occupations are eligible for a General Employment Permit, but some are restricted.
- Jobs on the Ineligible Categories of Employment list cannot be filled by non-EEA nationals. You should check the latest list to ensure the role is eligible.
3. Labour Market Needs Test
- The employer must demonstrate that they attempted to recruit an Irish or EEA national for the position through the Labour Market Needs Test before offering it to a non-EEA national.
- This involves advertising the job for at least 4 weeks on the Department of Social Protection’s employment services, in national newspapers, and online.
4. Salary Requirements
- The general salary threshold is €30,000 per year.
- Exceptions (salary of at least €27,000) include roles for : Recent graduates from Irish institutions, Highly skilled workers in some specific sectors such as IT or ICT.
- For care workers and healthcare assistants, the salary threshold is generally higher than €30,000.
5. Job Types and Employment Contracts
- The job offer must be full-time and for a minimum of two years.
- The role should not be on the ineligible job list, which includes certain administrative, retail, and lower-skilled jobs.
6. Applicant's Qualifications
- The applicant must have the relevant skills, qualifications, and experience required for the job.
- You may need to provide evidence of qualifications and work experience during the application process.
7. Visa Application Process
- After receiving the employment permit, you will also need to apply for a long stay (D) visa to enter Ireland if you are from a visa-required country.
8. Application Fee
Fees for a General Employment Permit are :
- €1,000 for a two-year permit
- €500 for a permit up to six months
8. Application Fee
Fees for a General Employment Permit are :
- €1,000 for a two-year permit
- €500 for a permit up to six months
9. Renewal
- The permit can be renewed after two years, and you may be eligible to apply for Stamp 4 residency permission after five years of employment, which allows you to work without an employment permit.
10. Employer's Responsibilities
- The employer must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and be compliant with Irish tax laws.
- The employer should also ensure that the job is paid at or above the minimum threshold.
11. Family Reunification
- Holders of General Employment Permits may bring their family members to Ireland, but it typically depends on the salary level and other conditions. Generally, you can apply for family reunification after obtaining Stamp 4 permission, which can take up to five years.
Exceptions
- Carers or healthcare assistants may qualify with lower salary thresholds but must meet additional criteria.
- Graduates from Irish third-level institutions may also qualify under slightly lower salary requirements, especially for roles in technology or certain professional sectors.
- Make sure to double-check the current rules and eligibility requirements, as they can change over time.
